ACTC celebrates the success of recent welding grads

Published on Aug 13, 2024

Eight Ashland Community & Technical College alumni celebrated “going pro” during a special ceremony held last month. 

The students, recent graduates of ACTC’s welding program, will soon begin their careers as apprentices in the Plumbers, Steamfitters, and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning) Local Union 248. 

Gavin Tussey, the training director at Local 248 says the majority of local’s apprentices come from ACTC. 

“ACTC sets the standard for direct entry into the education and training program,” Tussey said. “No one does it better.”

Tussey describes the education students receive at ACTC as a pre-apprenticeship, giving students the tools they need to be successful when they enter the field. 

According to Tussey, once ACTC graduates pass a welding evaluation exam, they earn one year of credit toward their apprenticeship, allowing them to complete it in four years. 

“I love my program, because it helps my students change their lives for the better,” said Curtis Bowman, Welding Technology program coordinator. 

Students who attended the ceremony included: Austin Burge, Mark Elkins, Kyle Fielhauer, Isaiah Lynch, Jarrod Oney, Russ Rogers, Jaden Sexton, and Josiah Trevino. 

"I am grateful for the opportunity to celebrate with these ACTC graduates. Their hard work and dedication, both inside and outside the classroom, have paid off with opportunities at Local 248,” said Ashley Vanderpool, Career Services Coordinator. “Many balanced full-time jobs while attending college, a challenging feat I understand well. My husband, an ACTC trades program graduate, also managed full-time work and school. Their success proves that achieving one's goals at ACTC is possible without sacrificing responsibilities."

Local 248 serves 24 counties in eastern Kentucky, including Lewis, Greenup, Carter, Boyd, Lawrence and Elliot.

For more information about the Welding Technology Program at ACTC, visit https://ashland.kctcs.edu/education-training/program-finder/welding-technology.aspx